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| Smart | ||
| The Smart car was conceived by Swatch (the watch people) and
engineered by Mercedes. It was launched in 1998 to mixed reviews, the car certainly
brings the microcar concept well up to date with style, reliability and probably the most
crash worthy construction of any really small car. On the down side they are too
expensive and do not like to go around fast corners. I hope it proves successful. The Smart is powered by a 600 cc, 3 cylinder engine of 45 or 55 hp and drives through a 6 speed gearbox. A novel feature is the ease of replacing the plastic body panels. Spare sets are sold so that an owner can readily change the colour of the car to match their outfit! |
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Smart were quick to see the potential of mechandising
associated with their car and have had several models made to coincide with the launch. Maisto produce a 1:18 model. It features opening doors, rear hatch and operating steering. Quality is excellent, from the highly detailed engine right down to seat belts. It comes complete with a spare set of body panels of an alternative colour. Maisto also make a cheap and cheerful 1:33 diecast model with opening doors and a pull back spring motor. Herpa have issued a 1:43 diecast of the Smart. It is very nice and has a very well detailed interior plus spare body panels. |
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Busch
also produce the Smart in plastic to their usual 1:87 scale. As standard from Busch
there are no spare body panels but the models are also available directly from Smart
in special black Smart packaging which includes the spare panels. |